October: Eating Heaven, by Jennie Shortridge

September 26, 2008 by thinkhappy

Eating Heaven, by Jennie Shortridge

Women's Fiction

Summary

Nothing gets Eleanor Samuels's heart racing like a double scoop of mocha fudge chunk. Sure, the magazine writer may have some issues aside from food, but she isn't quite ready to face them. Then her beloved Uncle Benny falls ill, and what at first seems scary and daunting becomes a blessing in disguise. Because while she cooks and cares for him-and enjoys a delicious flirtation with a new chef in town-Eleanor begins to uncover some long-buried secrets about her emotionally frayed family and may finally get the chance to become the woman she's always wanted to be.

From the Author
Eating Heaven is a story inspired by the time I spent with my dad and stepmother Jeanne when she was ill with pancreatic cancer. She didn't have long to live, and not knowing what else I could do, I asked, "If you could have anything in the world to eat, what would it be?" And then I'd make it for her.

In Eating Heaven, Eleanor is a lonely food magazine writer reduced to writing "Lighten Up Your French Favorites Until They Taste Like Cardboard" recipes. When her favorite uncle, Benny, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she becomes his primary caregiver and tries, as I did, to provide solace, comfort and love through her cooking. At the same time, she's fighting her own battles with food, with body image and self acceptance. I wanted to write a story for the rest of us—those who will never look like the pop celebrities of the moment—and suggest that maybe we shouldn't even try to. Shocking, I know, but like Eleanor, I propose a revolution.

Enough with revolution, this is also a story about falling in love with unavailable men, sisters who have drifted too far apart, a cat named Buddy, the luscious Pacific Northwest, and an old family secret that is slowly revealed.

I hope you enjoy it!

Exclusive Member Chat with Jennie Shortridge - Tuesday, October 28, 7pm EST

Where: Women's Forum - Book Club - Author Discussions

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